Marfa Live Arts

Marfa Live Arts

Julio Baeza and David Beebe perform in the Marfa students’ One Act Plays, presented by Marfa Live Arts in May 2017.Photo: Stephanie Huang

Marfa Live Arts is a performing arts nonprofit with a strong educational component. They collaborate with Marfa ISD, and teach several in-school arts programs that would otherwise not be available to Marfa youth, such as: One Act Plays, Playwriting, Monologues, Vocal/Theater Workshops, and La Banda Summer Camp. These workshops, along with other Marfa Live Arts programming throughout the year, provide an opportunity for students to interact with professional musicians, dancers, actors and writers. In addition to allowing for creative expression, other proven outcomes of these programs include increased self-confidence and improved critical thinking skills.

In December 2017, Marfa Live Arts taught a Monologue & Scene Workshop at Marfa Junior High. During Jaylia Foster’s 7th and 8th grade English classes, MLA’s director Jennie Lyn Hamilton guided students through a series of writing exercises that helped them find their inner voice and build self-confidence. Using observation and sense memory techniques, students learned how to develop characters, themes and dialogue, and to bring their stories to life. Local professionals performed the winning monologues before an audience at the Crowley Theater on Tuesday, December 12. A good time was had by all! The winning monologues are listed below.

Award-winning student playwrights and actors take a curtain call during the 2nd annual Marfa Live Arts Winter Theater Showcase on Dec 12, 2017 at the Crowley Theater. Photo by Stephanie Huang

7th Grade“Waterfall Wonderland” written by Victoria Torres and performed by Crystal Catano“The Bird Who Couldn’t Fly” written by Samuel Salgado and performed by Ian Lewis“Gold” written by Lesly Torres and performed by Sam Schonzeit “The Hammer and the Sword” written by Dimetrey S. Stewart and performed by Will Nelson“Toby May” written by Alexis Gonzales and performed by Travis KorteHonorable Mention: “Lin’s House” written by Aubrie AguilarHonorable Mention: “Luna the Cat” written by Janelly Pereira

8th Grade“Lost in Space” written by Cristian Ontiveros and performed by Augustine Gonzales “George Sings” written by Odalys Chacon and performed by Will Nelson“Time Party Bus” written by Uriel Torres and performed by Oscar Aguero“Wonder” written by Brianna Sanchez and performed by Belen Garcia“Space Janitor” written by Justice Ortiz and performed by Jackson WisdorfHonorable Mention: “La Basura” written by Dakota MartinezHonorable Mention: “Beautiful Park” written by Amanda Moreno

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The Marfa Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to support and enhance the work of the Marfa Independent School District and is committed to facilitating enrichment projects and to augmenting the education of the District’s students.